Just when we thought the industry was taking a summer break, July hit with a frenzy of casting news. The latest buzz involves stars like Kim Go Eun, Kang Dong Won, Kang Hoon, and Kim Hye Jun, who are all in talks for a new webtoon-based romance. And that’s just for starters. Get ready for the next wave of Korean dramas and movies with exciting stories and stunning stars for late 2025 and early 2026 lineups! Let’s break down all the exciting new announcements.
Latest in Casting: Kang Dong Won, Kim Go Eun, Kang Hoon, Kim Hye Jun, and More
Kang Dong Won and Kim Go Eun in Talks for Lead Roles in “Soul”
The buzz is undeniable. Kim Go Eun (“Exhuma,” “Yumi’s Cells”) and Kang Dong Won (“The Plot”) are reportedly to lead a new historical romance. The drama, with the working title Hon (혼), which can mean “soul.” This upcoming project is already the most anticipated project of the year for one simple reason: its creative team.
Park Ji Eun, known for her outstanding works, including “Crash Landing on You,” “My Love from the Star,” and “Queen of Tears,” wrote the script. While the director, Kim Won Seok, the genius behind modern classics like “My Mister,” Signal,” and “Misaeng,” will take the megaphone.
Casting two of Korea’s brightest stars, Kim Go Eun and Kang Dong Won, in a historical romance drama is genius! The historical drama project will mark Kim Go Eun’s return after her last appearance in the 2015 film “Memories of the Swords,” while it will be Kang Dong Won’s return following his 2024 film “Uprising.” While plot details are still under wraps, the sheer talent involved guarantees this will be an absolute show.
Kang Hoon and Kim Hye Jun in Talks to Star in “Favorite Employee”
Actor Kang Hoon, known for his role in “A Time Called You,” and Kim Hye Jun, from “A Shop for Killers,” are in talks to lead “My Favorite Employee,” a new TVN rom-com.
Based on the popular webtoon “My Oppa Is an Idol,” the story follows a superfan who finally lands her dream job. The twist? Her old idol crush is now her CEO.
Her professional life gets wonderfully messy when she meets the new CEO, played by Kang Hoon—a man who’s as brilliant as he is ice-cold.
The setup is a perfect recipe for a hit: workplace comedy, secret fangirling, and a slow-burn romance between a passionate newcomer and her intimidating boss.
Son Ye Jin and Jo Yu Ri Confirmed to Star in “Variety”
Son Ye Jin (“Crash Landing on You”) is returning to the small screen in “Variety,” a new thriller that’s already giving us chills. The actress plays Sae Eun, the brilliant and ruthless CEO of a top entertainment agency. She must save the superstar idol group she built from the ground up, even if it means crossing every ethical line.
On the other side of the looking glass is Jo Yuri (“Squid Game” 2 & 3), who plays Seung Hee. Seung Hee’s an obsessive fan whose devotion has spiraled into a dangerous fixation. She’ll stop at nothing to get closer to her favorite idol. This role is a fantastic turn for Jo Yuri, who knows the fan-idol dynamic firsthand from her own time in IZ*ONE.
Director Kim Yong Hoon, the mastermind behind the gritty, unpredictable hit “Mask Girl,” will direct this series. With a seasoned director at the helm, the drama promises to explore the dark desires simmering just beneath the polished surface of the K-pop industry.
Choi Jin Hyuk and Oh Yeon Seo Confirmed to Star in “Positively Yours”
It’s official! Choi Jin Hyuk (“Miss Night and Day”) and Oh Yeon Seo (“The Player 2”) are confirmed to lead Channel A’s Positively Yours, an adaptation of the wildly popular webtoon.
Forget the slow-burn, will-they-won’t-they trope. This series explores headfirst into chaos. Oh Yeon Seo plays Jang Hee Won, a whip-smart career woman who’s a disaster in her love life. Choi Jin Hyuk is Kang Doo Joon, a chaebol heir who has sworn off marriage.
Their carefully planned, single lives implode after one impulsive night together. The result? An unexpected pregnancy. This “pregnancy first, romance later” story feels refreshingly modern. Expect a messy, hilarious, and heartfelt ride when it drops in 2026.
Ong Seong Wu’s First Drama Post-Military Service, “Love Track”
Idol-actor Ong Seong Wu is making his much-anticipated K-drama comeback! The former Wanna One member, also known for his role in “Strong Girl Nam-soon,” is set to star in the new KBS Drama Special, “Love Track.”
The show is a 10-episode anthology, with each part exploring a different love story. Seong Wu will headline an episode with the intriguing title “First Love is Like a Wired Earphone” (a literal translation). This marks his official return to the small screen since his last drama appearance.
Look for “Love Track” to premiere in the second half of this year.
Shin Ha Kyun, Oh Jung Se, and Heo Sung Tae in Talks for “50 Percent”
Get ready for potential dream team. Shin Ha Kyun (“The Auditor”), Oh Jung Se (“Good Boy“), and Heo Sung Tae (“Squid Game 2”) are reportedly in talks to star in the new MBC action-comedy, “50 Percent.”
The series centers on three middle-aged men who were once lethal elites but are now stuck in painfully ordinary lives. Fate pulls them back into the game, forcing them to face their past glory and bittersweet present.
Shin Ha Kyun may take the role of a legendary South Korean spy whose skills have faded. Oh Jung Se potentially plays the role of a former North Korean super-agent battling depression, while Heo Sung Tae portrays a once-feared gangster who now runs a convenience store.
The combination of the cast is so perfect. Fans’ anticipation is high for explosive chemistry and stunning performances from the actors. This drama is slated to air in the first half of next year.
Lee Jong Won and Kim Do Yeon in Talks for “Wish Upon a Moon Flower”
“Knight Flower” actor Lee Jong Won and idol-actress Kim Do Yeon are in talks to lead the historical romance “Wish Upon a Moon Flower.” This is the second project from writer Jang Yoo Ha, who debuted with the Netflix hit “Doona!”.
The drama follows a tragic love story between two people from warring nations. Kim plays Yang Cho Seol, a master swordsmith who lives in a village of war prisoners. She meets Baek Je Hee (Lee Jong Won), a defecting general forced into hiding. Their love is forbidden, caught between a brutal war and a society that wants them apart.
This upcoming project is a monumental moment for idol-actress Kim Do Yeon. It’s her first leading role in a historical drama since acting debut in 2015.
Lee Sung Min and Kang Ha Neul to Star in Sequel of “Ode to My Father”
Ready for something heavier? Let’s set the record straight on the next big project for Lee Sung Min and Kang Ha Neul.
They will take the lead roles in the 2014 mega-hit, “Ode to My Father.” The original film was a true cultural phenomenon. The sequel’s working title, “International Market 2,” is a direct nod to the Korean title, “Gukje Market.”
The story follows one man’s promise to his father that shaped his entire life. His journey unfolded across modern Korean history, spanning from the Korean War to the Vietnam War. This powerful story of sacrifice became one of the highest-grossing Korean films of all time.
Pairing Lee Sung Min and Kang Ha Neul in one frame is highly anticipated by moviegoers. Expectations couldn’t be higher.
Lee Na Eun to Return to Small Screen with “The Defects”
This month, ENA will release its most provocative series, “The Defects.” This intense thriller with a chillingly dark premise is set to haunt you.
Yum Jung Ah (“SKY Castle”) and Won Jin Ah (“Hellbound”) take the lead roles. The series also marks the much-anticipated comeback of Lee Na Eun, making the show a powerhouse female cast.
The drama follows a respected hospital director (Yum) who runs a secret adoption ring built on a twisted belief in eugenics. She offers a “refund” for children whom she deems defective. The catch? That refund is murder—a brutal way to cover her tracks.
Won Jin A plays Ahyeon, a survivor of this horrific system. She now leads a group of other so-called “defects” on a quest for survival and revenge.
Lee Na-eun plays Somi, a young woman who finds strength alongside Ahyeon. This role marks her first major role after a long hiatus.
Lee Chung Ah in Talks to Star in “Honour”
“Celebrity” star Lee Chung Ah is in talks to take the lead in the new SBS legal thriller “Honour,” replacing Kwak Sun Young. She is offered to play the role of Hwang Hyun Jin, an activist lawyer at L&J Law Firm.
If she accepts, she’ll team up with Jung Eun Chae and Lee Na Young. This trio of leading ladies already has us excited!
Noh Sang Hyun Joins Kim Hee Ae in “Gold Digger”
“Pachinko” star Noh Sang Hyun is in talks to join the legendary actress Kim Hee Ae (”The World of the Married”) in the Korean remake of the British series “Gold Digger.”
The story is electric. A wealthy 60-year-old woman, isolated from her family, falls in love with a man nearly half her age. This isn’t a romance; it’s a psychological drama. Is his passion genuine, or are his motives much darker? Expect a messy, fascinating look at family, love, and societal judgment.
The 23-year age gap creates a daring K-drama couple. Still, their chemistry promises to be magnetic. If he signs on, it would be a significant role for Noh Sang Hyun, starring opposite an industry legend.
The drama’s script is written by Kang Eun Kyung, who wrote the hits “Dr. Romantic.” Additionally, the drama is in discussion to air on JTBC.
“Salon De Holmes” Will Have Season 2
ENA is officially renewing its quirky mystery hit “Salon De Holmes” for a second season. The show, which follows a group of housewives who form their own detective agency, became a sleeper hit. Lee Si-young and the main cast are expected to return for more sleuthing, this time on a broader scale than their apartment building. The finale already teased an unsolved crime and hinted at new faces, including Kim Geum Soon (from episode 1) and Lee Jae Kyoon, promising even bigger mysteries ahead.
With stars lining up for projects across every genre, the Korean entertainment industry clearly has no plans to slow down. So, what are you most excited to watch? Drop your picks in the comments!
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